More and more people are suffering from noise. But there are structural options to significantly reduce the impact.
Noise makes you ill – that is undisputed. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stress caused by traffic noise, for example, is the second biggest health risk. But it’s not just the roar of traffic, the pounding of beats or the dripping of a tap can drive some people to the brink of madness. In the latter case, it helps to turn the tap or replace the seal.
But are there ways to keep the traffic noise outside without moving to a quieter place? The answer is: yes, you can actually provide more peace and quiet structurally – at least as long as the windows are closed.
Installation of noise/soundproof windows
This starts with the windows, which are generally considered to be the weakest point when it comes to protecting against noise from outside. Depending on the level of noise, you should therefore opt for windows with multiple glazing or, in the case of very loud noise, soundproof windows.
These are divided into six sound insulation classes – the higher the sound insulation class, the higher the sound insulation. As a rule, classes 2 to 4 are the most commonly installed. Soundproof windows often provide not only thicker glass panes, but also special soundproof structures and profiles.
By the way: You don’t necessarily have to replace the old windows to finally be able to sleep peacefully. An external roller blind or sound-absorbing curtains can also help to reduce noise pollution.
The same applies to sound insulation films or sound absorbers. These are available in different thicknesses. If they are installed using the do-it-yourself method, care must be taken to ensure that the sound absorbers face the window pane, i.e. the street. And: Doors can or should also be insulated if necessary.
Insulate walls
The thicker and more solid a wall is, the more likely it is that noise will stay outside. If this is not the case with your own four walls, insulation can provide relief. Composite sound insulation systems, which can be attached to the interior walls, are available in thicknesses from 45 to 125 mm. Facing shells are another way to achieve peace and quiet. If you are planning to build a detached house on a busy road, you may want to consider installing a second, double-skin façade in front of the façade.
Insulate ceiling
If, on the other hand, you feel disturbed by noise from the apartment above yours, for example because you have saved on impact sound insulation, a sound-absorbing false ceiling is worth considering. This involves hanging a sound-absorbing layer under the actual ceiling using drywall panels. Another option is to stick on a sound-absorbing ceiling. However, this results in a slight loss of room height.
What if the neighbor snores?
In apartments with high noise levels, where every noise from the neighboring apartment or the room next door can be heard, a few things should also be done to improve your well-being. Carpets significantly reduce impact sound – which will also please the neighbors below you.
If you no longer want to hear your neighbor’s snoring so loudly, you can also place a large, well-stocked bookshelf or a wardrobe against the wall of your neighbor’s bedroom – space permitting. Acoustic panels or acoustic pictures provide relief within your own four walls.
Draught excluders or sealing strips can also be used as noise protection within the home. Last but not least, upholstered furniture absorbs some of the sound.
Less noise in the garden
If you prefer to hear the birds chirping rather than the noise of engines, you could possibly remedy the situation with a noise barrier in your own garden. These are available in a wide variety of materials – from wood, concrete and brick to plastic or glass.
If space permits, a noise barrier can also be piled up and planted as the mood takes you. Once this has been done, you can sit outside undisturbed in two ways: On the one hand, the noise is less disturbing and on the other, you are protected from prying eyes.
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